KNITTINGGAL

FO Friday

2011-11-18T23:40:00.001-07:00

I know it's not Friday anymore ( it's actually 12 am as I type), but since I haven't gone to bed yet it's still Friday to me. I didn't have time to post earlier today, it was one of those one thing after another days. Then it was GNO and we can't miss that especially when it's ogling over love-struck vampires and werewolves on the big screen. Enough about that here's what I finished this week:

Tracy's(my bff)slippers

I actually finished knitting and felting a while ago, but it took a while for them to dry and then I got doing other stuff and I couldn't decide what color of buttons to do I hope she likes the yellow.

Pattern: French Press Slipper by Melynda Bernardi

Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes worsted

Colorway: Fairy Tale

Needles: US 15

Bootees for Emma

My neighbor just had a baby girl, her 6th child WOW! I feel every baby should have something new even though they are sure to get hand me downs.

Pattern: Saarte's Bootees by Saartje de Bruijn

Yarn: Stash yarn I bought a long time ago and I don't have the label,

but I'm sure it's pima cotton.

Needles: US 3

This pattern is really easy once you figure it out. If you plan on making them watch this video on youtube for a tutorial on the button holes on the straps it will make the process much nicer than trying to guess by the pics of the tiny bootees.

WIP Wednesday

2011-11-16T14:06:00.001-07:00

I've had these booties on my ravelry queue for a long time,

but I just haven't gotten around to making them. My neighbor just had a baby girl

so I decided what a good excuse to do some baby knitting.

Pattern:Sarrtje's Bootees by Sarrtje de Bruijn

Yarn: Left-over yarn that I lost the label to. It's pima cotton if I remember right.Sport weight

Needles: US size 3

WIP Wednesday

2011-11-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

French Press Slippers for sil Heather and my baby girl Sophia

Pattern: French Press Slippers by Melynda Bernardi

Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes

Colorway: Blossom Heather

Needles: size US 15

*For Heather's I am following the pattern exactly, but for Sophia's I am following the adjustments made by Melynda's sister for girls age 4-5 (found here).

FO Friday

2011-11-04T18:34:00.004-06:00

Socks for the Woman who walked me through life and really let's face still does!

Pattern: Duckies by Samantha Hayes

Yarn: ONline Supersocke 100

Colorway: Melange

Needles: size US 4

Raveled

I really enjoyed knitting these socks they knitted up so quick.

The best part is look how much yarn is left over.

I guess I'll be knitting some for myself because the colors match my Belfast Hoodie

WIP Wednesday

2011-11-02T16:09:00.002-06:00

Raveled

Holy Freakin' Felting Cow!

2011-10-27T17:40:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of the French Press Felted slippers all knitted up.

All sew together.

Now time to felt it can't be that hard so I looked it up online. Ought oh I don't have a top loader! Okay look up how to do it by hand here.

Okay cool I buy myself a brand spankin' new plunger and get to work.

I practically broke my back doing this. By the time I finished I was in shorts and actually in my tub straddling my bucket.

It is not easy, so I put my kids to work. What's that, child labor laws...what?

Anywho I am really worn out truly it's so hard. My arms kinda feel like jelly.

The slippers are blocking now and need the flaps and buttons sewn on.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have an FO for my Friday.

WIP Wednesdays

2011-10-26T16:05:00.001-06:00

Socks for Mom

Pattern: Duckies by aquaknits for sKNITches

Yarn: ONline supersocke 100

Colorway: Melange

Needles: US size 4 dpn's

WIP Wednesday

2011-10-19T17:15:00.001-06:00

Tracy's Christmas present

Pattern: French Press felted slippers

by Melynda Barnardi of French Press knits.com

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes worsted

Colorway: Fairy Tale

Needles: US 15

FO Friday

2011-10-14T09:04:00.002-06:00

Sophia's Headband

Pattern: Rose's Hat by Verla Younker

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Mulberry Merino

Colorway: 5605

Needles: US size 10

Gift socks for the Man who walked me through life and made it possible

for me to walk my own children through life.

Pattern: Mr. Pitt's socks by Kaitlyn Wong

Yarn: 1 skein ONline Supersocke 100

Colorway: Linetto

Needles: size US 1

Now I get to look for a nice sock pattern for the Woman who also walked me through life.

I'm thinking Duckies by Samantha Hayes

WIP Wednesday

2011-10-12T16:05:00.000-06:00

This is not your average WIP Wednesday, but who wants to be average anyway? Because I promised myself that I wouldn't start a new project until I finish dear old Dad's socks, I really don't have any 'knitting' wip's to share. I do however have a work in progress.

My Craft Room!

Really I should say that this is my honey's WIP, but it's for me. When he gets past the hard part, I will be the one to paint it so it's kind of my WIP right?

I get to do fun things in it, like ball yarn with these fun tools I just got.

And I will fill the walls with shelves full of yarn. Like this fun yarn I just ordered to make French Press Knits slippers.

And of course I do other crafts like sewing and some occasional low key scrapbooking.

I am so excited for it to be done I hound my honey often, poor guy!

Passing on the tradition

2011-10-10T11:36:00.000-06:00

Not this weekend but last my sweet niece came up from Mona to stay with me for the weekend. My little ones just love her and request her often; so when I needed a babysitter for Zac's b.day since Max would be coming with us to the dreaded (I dread them, the kids love them) arcade for the party, Lydia came immediately to mind. She is such a sweetie and gets along with everyone in the family, I've always thought of her as a little bit mine even though she has a
wonderful mother ( my awesome sister).

So it was conference weekend and while the men went to priesthood meeting us girls did girly things and the kids played. Lydia taught me how to make jewelry and feather headbands and while watching conference on Sunday I taught Lydia to knit.

Zac took some goofy pictures of us but notice the cute feather earring I'm wearing and the cute feather headband on Lydia's head.

Listening to the spoken Word on Sunday

I bought Lydia some essential notions, but we'll have to visit the lys soon because Hobby Lobby didn't have the needles and of course the yarn I like!

She learned quickly and I wrote her a pattern for an easy bag that we'll later sew to some liner fabric for a notions bag. I can't wait for our next lesson, I love passing on the knitting tradition.

Just Like Karate Kid

2011-09-22T13:49:00.001-06:00

Since these socks have already been posted about as a WIP and they are not totally done I can't post them as an FO, but I am so proud that I finished one sock that I just had to post about it. I know I can do some fancy schmancy magic loop knit 2 at a time thing, but I don't know how so for now I'm just doing one at a time.

At the end of knitting a sock from the top down you have to close up your sock and the best way I think to do that is kitchner stitch. If you're not acquainted with kitchner then a good place to learn how is here. She says to chant knit, purl, purl, knit which is a good idea to keep yourself on track. I take a tip from Daniel Son and chant knit off, purl on, purl off, knit on. check out the link and you'll see why. Now on to the next sock!

Happy knitting!

FO Friday

2011-09-09T15:58:00.000-06:00

Here is my latest FO. Another

slouchy hat.

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes; Jalapeno

Needles: size 7 US

Pattern: Slouchy Beanie by me

WIP Wednesday

2011-09-07T16:51:00.000-06:00

Happy WIP Wednesday! I love progress, but it's hard when it's slow so I'm not even showing you my dad's socks I was working on last WIP Wednesday. It's not that I'm not making progress it's just that well it doesn't look like I am when there are 2 socks. It's like starting over when you start the new sock and I'm not even that far...Boo Hoo. I get bored when things don't move along fast enough so I start new stuff. Plus I just bought gorgeous yarn so who can blame me?This first one is the Ethereal Triangular Shawl in Cascade Yarns Alpaca Lace. It's for Nate's Grandma for Christmas. I really hope it turns out good. I started it and then realized that I need a chart keeper so this one may sit like this until I find one.

Next we have the Lovely Belfast. I'm using Berroco Inca Gold which is being discontinued. So sad because it is truly a joy to knit with and it knits up so beautifully with such a nice twist.I am really excited for this one and I work on it a little too much I even brought it up to my cabin and knit it there. I usually don't get the chance to knit there because we go on hikes and stuff, but my nieces and I had a little impromptu craft circle. They were making friendship bracelets and so I joined in and knitted. Now they all want to have a craft sleepover and I'll teach them to knit. So fun! I really should work on Christmas presents so next week will probably be full of those.

FO Friday & Happy Yarn Shopping Birthday To Me!

2011-08-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

So I've been a bad blogger and an ADD knitter, starting projects left and right and then abandoning them to take care of my children's hectic sports & music schedules. So finally I have an FO to share. I actually finished the sweater part a while ago, but I didn't want to show it until I had the flower done which isn't actually part of the pattern. I think the flower is too big though :( but it will have to suffice for now. And just so you know it's paper clipped on in the pics because I don't have anything better right now. I know crazy that I could not find one single safety pin even.

Here is a pic of the flower alone:

Pattern: Ross's Hat ( just the flower from this pattern)

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran

Needles: size 10 US

I think it looks better here on the bed, cuz I'm a total goofball posing in my closet.

See TOTAL goofball!

Pattern: Antropologie-Inspired capelet by Julia Allen
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in Pewter
Needles: size 11 US

Now for my birthday my hubby didn't get me a present. In his defense he and the kids got me a cake, ice cream and made me a really cute movie. I was pretty mad about the no present thing (a new phone that I hinted at) cuz it just made me feel unimportant. Anywho he said he thought I would just want to go buy yarn (which of course I always do)...I hope he doesn't regret it and I actually think I was pretty thrifty about it. Isn't it pretty?

Here's what I got:

Cascade Yarns ALpaca Lace (blue-green)

Plymouth Yarns Mulberry Merino (pink)

Plymouth Yarns Mulberry Merino (purple)

Berroco Inca Gold (blushy red)

Gotta love my LYS Unraveled Sheep in Sandy!

I am totally loving this last one it is so soft!

I couldn't wait to start gauging for my next project. Normally I hate gauging (neccesary evil) but Inca Gold (a travesty that it's being discontinued) is such a joy to knit with I don't even mind gauging. Belfast Hoodie here
   we come. See you on WIP Wednesday!

Here is my lovely gauge swatch with Inca Gold:

WIP Wednesday

2011-08-24T21:59:00.001-06:00

Christmas in July, er I mean August. I had hoped to start all my Christmas knitting last month, but I came home from Lake Powell in such a funk I didn't get much of anything done really my house was a mess, then football started and that's a whole other story. But now it is August, the kids are back in school, my house is finally tidy most of the time so I can focus a little better. I am really excited that I have gotten this far on these socks because the last time I attempted them my stinky Milo pulled all four DPN's out. GRRR!!! Really can you blame the guy it must be quite an interesting thing for a 2 year old. Anyhow I was very upset and needed a brake before I started again. So my dad did not get a pair of Mr.Pitts socks for Christmas last year, but maybe this year will be different (I hope).

Pattern: Mr. Pitts Socks

Yarn: 1 skein ONline supersocke 100 in Linetto

Needles: size 1 US

WIP Wednesday

2011-08-03T12:54:00.000-06:00

Another slouchy hat is on the needles this week. It's a different yarn so I hope it turns out. I'm getting faster at the pattern since it's the second time around.

Hopefully I can make a bunch and sell them. Hopefully they are cute enough that people will want to buy them. I'm trying to think of a name for my brand. I thought of Emma Sue but that is too girly, I may want to make stuff for men. Another one could simply be EM with a funky font or something. What do you think?

FO Friday

2011-07-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

After hanging out with these cute people

And doing a little of this (I'm wakeboarding)

I came home and finished my hat, then I soaked it and thought I would block it like a beret to show the lace and cable detail.

I liked the way it showed the detail, but when I put it on...

I just didn't have the look I was going for plus it felt kinda heavy. Weird.

So I re-soaked it and just threw it on my drying rack without any shaping. I like it much better. I think you can still the detail, in person anyway.

I look like I'm a teenager in these pics with my headphones Lol!

I almost forgot I made this with 2 skeins of Cleckheaton Country Silk 8ply from DBNY on size 7 circ's and dpn's. I still need to type up the pattern, I hope I can read the notes I made :)

WIP Wednesday

2011-07-06T11:45:00.003-06:00

Regretfully, I am not the most consistent blogger. I don't know if anyone even reads this blog. I read/stalk several knitting blogs so just in case someone else in cyber space needs some inspiration, I would like to be able to offer that. To help me be more consistent I will be starting some new features, (plus it might help me finish projects)such as: Work-In-Progress Wednesday and maybe Finished-Object(FO)Friday, and maybe Sunday Inspirations. Hopefully this will produce at least one post a week.

So...for this WIP Wednesday
I give you a lace and cable hat that I hope will be slouchy once it's blocked. It is made with Cleckheaton country silk 8 ply in chocolate that I bought from DBNY. Love that place, but it can be bittersweet because I love this yarn and of course it is discontinued. I am hoping this hat doesn't become a lesson in gauging because I am an idiot and didn't check my gauge because I have knit with it and the same needle size before here, but not this particular stitch pattern.

This project is still coming together in my head. I started out wanting to make just a simple swingy-cardi-vest type thing, but I got bored so it will probably end up still a swingy-cardi-vest, but with some lace up the back and around the front. I just need to do some math. It is made with yarn that I bought for another project here and here, but it failed so I ripped it out thus the new design. Both of these WIP's are my designs by the way. The yarn is Naturally Caron SPA ocean spray and it's super soft, but a little splitty. I know that's not a word, but it's the best way I have to describe it.

So that's it for my works in progress, next week I have to skip because we are going to Lake Powell for some fun in the sun! No knitting in the sand for me!

I take each day one stitch at a time

2011-05-14T22:09:00.000-06:00

Here's Sophia's cheesiest grin, gotta love this girl. This little wrap around cropped sweater didn't really turn out the way I wanted, but it was cheap yarn so what could I expect. Ah well she likes it and that's what counts.

This sweater I started way back in January of 2010 and I got really far then it snagged twice as the pics below show.

I tried and tried in vain to fix the holes, but I just kept making them worse so I just had to...

RIP OUT! :(

I have already started over and I'm pretty far, definately keeping this one in a better project bag!

More pics to come.

This little guy is Zozo, he needs some arms and legs I'll get to it. One stitch at a time right? Zac would really like me to finish, but those tiny limbs are tedious.

Here's some new yarn (like I needed any). Normally $9.75 but $5.85 on 40% off clearance. It's Simply Shetland Silk & Lambswool

I have a sweater in mind, I'm going to try designing again. I hope I don't get too frustrated and give up as I usually do. I love the way this swatch knitted up the yarn kinda has a vintage feel to it. More to come on this I promise.

Happy Knitting

FO's and Mess up's

2011-02-03T16:20:00.001-07:00

Here are some pic's of my latest FO that I designed. I call it basket weave scarf, super creative name I know! If you can think of a better name let me know. I love these infinite scarfs that stay around you neck right where you need them when your bending over shoveling, not falling open like traditional scarfs. I really wanted an interesting texture to work with and to see and feel after it was done. I thought about lace, but I really wanted it to be warm what with all the freezing temps lately. So basket weave it became, it was a fun stitch pattern to work with kind of addictive. I have a purse in mind to use it. It is a very solid and warm stitch pattern also. I knitted the scarf in two balls of Knitpicks Andean silk Merryweather.

Now sometimes things are just not meant to be so this little tiny newborn sweater dress an mess up cuz well you know. It just didn't work out so I let it sit in my project bag for 2 weeks haunting me to work on it or tweak it or something. Finally, sadly, and grudgingly I ripped it out. :( I am rethinking the whole project, but it will be a gift for my yet to be born sweet little baby niece. Aren't the colors just beautiful and sweet though? Knitpicks Shine Sport.

Cabled Cowl

2011-01-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

So this cowl has a really cool cable pattern and it is warm, but I don't like how it rolls at the bottom. This pic is kinda weird because of the way I am holding my head, but I wanted to show the cable better. I think my pattern needs a little tweaking also I think I will use different yarn this one is a little too stiff although soft(Lion Brand organic cotton).

Changing Cables Hat

2011-01-07T08:26:00.001-07:00

This hat sort of came by accident, it was meant for my Dad. Milo the sweetie that he is, got into my knitting bag and kindly ripped it off my needles. Like a lot of knitters, I have several projects going at once; I had a smaller set of circulars in my bag for which its project had moved on dpn's, so when I found the narled mess that was my dad's hat I cried and then picked up my needles and began again. It wasn't until far into the project that I realized it was going to be much too small for my dear old dad. It ended up being a good thing, because I didn't have enough yarn to finish an entire hat for an adult male anyway. It could fit me as more of a skull cap but I think like me, most people prefer their hats to cover their ears at least a bit. So it is a size 2-4years hat. I tried to get the naughty Milo to model it as well but he just cried and ripped it off promptly(busy playing wii with his big bro).

Finally Done

2010-12-30T18:47:00.005-07:00

I blogged about this blanket a couple of months ago. I made it for my niece, I had hoped to finish it before she was born and in fact I did finish the knitting. Sadly I was not satisfied with it. It was a little skawampus (I know I spelled that made up word wrong) and the back was ugly where I seamed all the triangles together. My plan just didn't work out, but I didn't want all my time wasted so I went deeper into homespun failure. I blanket stitched this cute flannel fabric on. It didn't really work out as I'd planned either. Oh well lesson learned. I'm giving it to her anyway.

Christmas Presents

2010-12-29T20:36:00.004-07:00

Every year I want to knit people things for Christmas, but some how I can never seem to do it ( I actually have once before a very long time ago). I just get so busy and anxious about everything and of course I am a procrastinator! This year however even with the move I made darn sure I knitted something even if it is just a little something! I have the most AWESOME parents in the world! So I thought since they have done sooo much for me and continue to do sooo much for me they are the only ones who received knitted gifts.

A simple beanie for Dad to keep his mostly bald head warm.

My Mom looks great in red and I made her lace because she can appreciate the work that goes into knitting especially since she taught me how to knit when I was a young.

Here is a closer view of the lace pattern.

FO's

2010-11-04T11:26:00.002-06:00

I am finally done with this sweater I started in the spring, I actually finished the knitting at the beginning of summer, but I need to do the button band and sew on the buttons and for some reason I couldn't bring myself to do it. It is for my super nice sister Sally. Sally has always been there for me! She even let my family and me live in her basement for free while we transitioned between selling our old house and building our new house. So I thought it would be nice to knit her a sweater to say thank you. I am not sure if it turned out the way it was supposed to, but I still think it is cute. The pattern can be found at sweaterbabe, I have a link on the side bar. The yarn is from knit Picks also a link is on the side bar.

This was a really fun pattern to knit. I especially liked not needing to do a lot of sewing at the end.

These next two patterns can be found on Petite Purls (again link on side bar). And also with knit picks yarns. Can you tell I love knit picks?
Sophia is a funny poser, she doesn't hold still and I am not good enough of a photographer to catch her naturally. Anyway this sweater was super fast with bulky yarn and cheap because the yarn was on clearance and I only used 1 1/2 skeins. She had fun picking her own buttons.
Milo did not want to pose for me at all so these pictures are kinda funny with the tv in them, but oh well. This pattern was really fun to knit as well, it was quick and small yet kept my attention with the cables. I actually alternated knitting this vest and Sophia's sweater depending on my mood and if Nate and I were watching tv I would knit Sophia's and if I was just chilling while the kids played I knitted Milo's.

Now on to new projects. I think I will start some stash busting.

Remembering

2010-10-27T13:05:00.003-06:00

I hadn't organized my coat closet boxes since the move, but it snowed so I decided it must be done. While doing this seasonal task I came upon some memories.
I learned to knit and crochet when I was a young girl, but I didn't realize the treasure my mother had given me until I became mother myself. My friend had been put on bed rest, her sister-in-law taught her to knit which sparked my interest again. I was amazed at how quickly I remembered the techniques. With a little pride in my heart I went for it full force and haven't stopped! The gloves were the first thing I knit that I was proud of, also the first thing I knit from a pattern(the other things were just practice swatches and beenies) I still wear them. The little hat and gloves were the next thing, I made them for my son who is now 10. TEN! The saddest part is that my youngest who is almost 2 has already grown out of them :( My heart hurts to pass them on to a younger nephew. Will his mom even put it on him? Should I just put it in my cedar chest? Am I being selfish? I don't really know what to do.

baby stuff

2010-10-06T15:21:00.003-06:00

I wish I could post weekly about my knitting adventures, but I just can't seem to do it; although it will be my goal from now on.
Here are some pictures of what I have been slowing doing over the last couple of months(besides moving).

This little blanket knitted in Knitpicks Crayon Lime and Begonia, is for my sweet new niece Adaline. It didn't turn out the way that I planned when I designed it :( The seams are very obvious on the back so even though the yarn is very soft I have to sew a lining for it. I bought some adorable fabric for the lining, but my camera's batteries are dead. The ruffles are my favorite I think they are Milo's too. Don't you love his little fingers trying to get in the picture.

I love cables! Love them. They keep my interest, yet are easy enough that I can follow the pattern while watching my favorite shows. This pattern is Pembroke and it is knitted in Knitpicks Swish Worsted Tide Pool Heather. This vest is for Milo.

Pink is Sophia's favorite color so pink is what she wants and pink is what she gets. I really don't give her everything she wants, but I do concede when it comes to pink clothes. I only have one girl so why not give in to pink? This pattern is Audrey's First Day and is knitted in Knitpicks Swish Bulky Flamingo. So far it has been pretty simple to knit. She has some really cute leggings with a similar pink and brown and turquoise that I think would look really cute with this sweater and a little jean skirt.

Hopefuly next Wednesday I can give an update with atleast one completed project.

Sophia's Napsack

2010-03-21T10:29:00.004-06:00

I last posted about this thinking I wouldn't be able to finish it for a long time, but my kids gave me a horrible cold. All the down time (time not doing home-improvement) gave me an opportunity to knit! I love opportunities to knit!

I made a liner so that Sophia wouldn't snag her little pony brushes or Barbie fingers on the yarn held through the back for color changes.

She loves it and enjoys carrying her treasures all around in it.

Slow Current Projects

2010-02-25T11:40:00.008-07:00

All my projects as of late are coming along slowly because we are selling our house. We have so much work to do to get it ready to sell. You know curb appeal and all that jazz. In fact I am only blogging now because my paint is almost dry, but not quite and I need to do another coat. So here are the beginnings of what I am doing.

This first one is the Airy Wrap-around cardigan from Fitted Knits by Stephanie Japel. I am not sure that I am happy with my yarn choice or maybe I am just knitting too loose, my gauge was correct though. The yarn is Naturally Caron Spa Sea Spray, bamboo/acrylic. It is really soft and I love the color! I want to paint my master bath this color in my new house.

I have been wanting to make this cute napsack since I was pregnant with Zac (before I knew he was Zac, of course). Now that I have a little girl who likes to carry around purses and backpacks filled with all sorts of little girly things I get to make it finally.

I started out by picking Shine Sport from www.knitpicks.com Next time I will order a color card, I like the colors I picked I just think I may have picked a few different colors because they always look different in person than online. Knit picks is awesome though, probably my favorite yarn!
The next step I took was to print out my pattern and chart. I colored the chart so I could follow it with a glance. As you may be able to tell the green is not colored, that is because I had to wait for my greens(I couldn't decide which green was better, I needed to see it in person) as one was not available when I started the project
Then I started knitting of course because I knit at night while watching t.v. with my honey I promptly made a mistake and the worst was I didn't notice it for a couple of rows, there is a little green stitch where there should only be orange. Time to rip out and pick up the right stitch...
This was hard, but I have to admit went quite smoothly and in the finished piece you can't even tell.

So here is the first piece to the Cheesecake Napsack from Pipsqeaks by Kim Hargreaves. Hopefully I will finish all my selling my house preparations so I can finish the cute project.

2010-02-08T11:14:00.003-07:00

This vest took too long for just a vest! It is done though and for the most part I am happy with it. Here are some pics. Some of these are ridiculous! I had to take them myself because I finished it in the wee hours of the morning and my shirt doesn't match cuz it was all I had clean(it's laundry day today).

This last pic is probably the best. Now I will be moving on to knitting in fibers other than wool!

Oldest Kid Sweater

2010-02-04T17:38:00.003-07:00

Here it is Max's sweater finally! He is excited if you can't tell.

Most people are mad that the ground hog saw his shadow, but that just means that my really late Christmas presents to my husband and kids can get worn for six more weeks.

Source: Pipsqueaks by Kim Hargreaves
Pattern: Harry
Size: 9-10years
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes worsted blue ink

The sweater seems to fit him, but it also fits me. Either he is getting really old or the pattern size was misleading.

Middle Kid Sweater

2010-01-25T19:06:00.005-07:00

Source: Pipsqueaks, by Kim Hargreaves
Pattern name: Harry
Yarn: knit picks wool of the Andes worsted jalapeno

I have finished the 4th sweater in my group of family sweaters sadly Zac doesn't really like his sweater despite his happy face and thumbs up signs(I bribed him to look happy in the pics).

He says, "It's itchy and it feels weird and I don't like green anymore."

Poor Zac :( He wants hand knits from his mom, but he's sooo picky and changes his mind too often. What's a kid (or mommy knitter) to do?

Little Girl Sweater

2010-01-13T19:06:00.006-07:00

I love watching a lace pattern emerge. All those yfwd's and k2tog's were

worth it.

Then when the sweater is all finished, you get to enjoy and admire your FO.
Except when it is made for a growing, wiggly, bouncing, silly little gal.

I made the 3-4 size and it's probably a little short. I thought when I was knitting, "this looks short, but the lace edge will make it longer." Well I guess I estimated the lace bigger, oh well she still looks like a sweet little Angel.

This picture is a great close-up of my favorite part of this pattern, the ruffly sleeves .

Angel

Vestvember to Vestcember

2009-12-01T08:55:00.003-07:00

This is as far as I got last night the last day of November. I really wanted to finish my vest this last month, but alas I am a mother of 4 and some sweet people can not be ignored! So I am here by extending Vestvember to Vestcember.

New Yarn, New Projects

2009-11-04T13:04:00.006-07:00

I love knit picks, they really are a good value and great quality yarn!

The dark blue for my oldest is a bigger version of the sweater I made for my baby, the green for my second oldest is another bigger version of the same sweater only slightly smaller than the blue one. The red is for my daughter this pattern can also be found in Pipsqueaks. The tweed is a sweater vest for me found in Fitted Knits.

I am so excited!

Gray's Disappointment

2009-10-28T15:04:00.008-06:00

I was so excited about this sweater. I really thought it would look so cute! I guess I just have to chock it up to experience and learn from it. Don't customize a sweater for your best friend who lives in a different city for two reasons- customized sweaters need to be tried on often, and the pressure was so high because I just wanted to make her something nice, cuz she's so nice! Anyway here are some finished pics.
The sleeves were supposed to be puffy feminine sleeves, but the yarn was not the right type so it didn't give the proper drape.
Also the bust area was too big, some how I guess maybe my calculations were off. Boo Hoo:(
I wish I could say my gray days are over, but I still have to finish the hubby's sweater I started in March. I think knitting for adults has way too much pressure!

Finished 1 out of 4

2009-09-20T21:24:00.003-06:00

Sleeves in the round to minimize seaming

I don't think he likes his one sleeved sweater!

Ta-Da!

I finished it in the night so he had to try it on first thing in the morning because I was so excited(hence the jammies)!

Too Many Projects

2009-08-14T11:06:00.006-06:00

I have a problem I love to buy yarn and plan and start projects. I really do love finishing them as well but, sometimes I get bored of one thing. The results of my knitting ADD are the four following projects.

This sweater for Nate I started way back in the spring with intentions of finishing it by fall, which are working out probably. I could have finished it sooner, but it is so boring, so I take breaks on it and do other things, like my green sweater pictured in the side bar and Sophia's sweater vest. I wish I would have done the color changes at least to make it more interesting. Also this pattern I am altering because I liked the look of the sweater, but I only had bulky yarn. You would think this a challenge, but it's just annoying. I don't know why I do this to myself. This pattern can be found here.

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This is a pattern I am making up as I go along it is going to be a purse. I bought this linen blend yarn made by Berroco at my lys just because I liked it. Then I found this stitch pattern in a very cool book by Vouge called Stitchionary. It is an awesome stitch pattern called the daisy stitch. It is a little tiring though so again I end up taking breaks.

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I saw this pattern and thought 'Tracy' (my bff) so I had to make it for her. It is the first time I have made a top down sweater and I am also customizing it to fit her body. This is a challenge I like because girl sweaters have a lot of shaping unlike Nate's sweater I started months ago. This pattern can be found in Fitted Knits, the yarn is Berroco comfort dk.

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I found this wool/silk blend yarn online at DBNY and just had to buy it! I didn't know what I was going to make , but it was such a good deal I couldn't pass it up! When it came I really wanted to make something for myself, but I have never knitted my baby a sweater yet so that's what I did. It's really soft and I love tweed in general, but especially for boys. It's not a great pic of the pattern so stay tuned for the finished project. The pattern can be found in the book called Pipsqueaks.

Finished Project

2009-07-20T18:07:00.005-06:00

I actually finished this last month, but Ihave been slow to post. I have another project about half way so another post will hopefully follow soon.

This is the yarn I used- knitpicks shine sport Hydranga

My daughter likes her toys better than her sweater

she sure looks cute anyway!

2009-06-20T10:07:00.001-06:00

So again I messed up on the above link to my other blog, but I fixed. Sorry!

I am now on Youtube

2009-06-16T09:31:00.002-06:00

****Notice*****
On my side bar after Basic Stitches are my knitting demonstrations from Youtube. My Youtube address is www.youtube.com/knittinggal or you can simply click on the videos in the side bar and not have to leave this site.

New Project

2009-06-14T16:51:00.006-06:00

I wanted to make this little vest for my 2 year old daughter, but the patterns smallest size was 4-5, but

this pattern below is essentially the same pattern minus the eyelet holes and hood and is sized 2-3 & up, so I am following this pattern and I will have to make my own guesses for the hood. Wish me luch on that!

I hate seaming so I knitted the body mainly in the round, till I got to the arm holes

Again I would rather do the armbands in the round as well.

Well hopefully soon I'll have pics of the hood in process and finished.

These cute patterns and many others can be found in Kim Hargreaves book, Pipsqeaks

Blog Link

2009-06-13T11:52:00.002-06:00

For some reason the link didn't work on my last post so here it is again. http://www.cummingsesgoings.blogspot.com/

New Blog

2009-06-10T11:46:00.003-06:00

Well I am back! It has been a long time and I really don't have any good excuses. I actually have had a lot to say, but I guess I just didn't make the time. I decided to change my blog as you can tell because I figured that some of you may not care about knitting. My new blog about everything else is at the above link. I will still keep this blog for knitting and crochet if anyone is interested. I will have knitting & crochet tutorials posted soon I hope!

I...WILL...Get....Them...Over my hips!

2009-05-04T11:45:00.002-06:00

I figure if I make this public maybe I'll have someone to answer to! My daily (by that I mean Monday-Friday) will be running up and down my stairs for a warm up and then resistance band exercises taken from http://exercise.about.com/cs/exerciseworkouts/l/blresistanceban.htm & weather permitting a walk up Upland Drive. That should do it! Do you think it is reasonable to think I will drop a pants size atleast by the end of the month? Wish me luck!

Just... can't... get 'em... over my hips

2009-04-16T12:07:00.003-06:00

Blue jeans I love you,
blue jeans it's true
Blue jeans ...I'm blue
Cuz' I just can't fit into you!

I have never been neurotic about my body, until now! What is wrong with me? I am trying not to care, Nate certainly doesn't. I care, but I can't seem to do what I need to get into my clothes. So if anyone has any suggestions on how to get motivated, I am all ears!

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Review

2009-03-30T15:27:00.006-06:00

I just finished reading the The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
A very interesting book, I really have so much to say about it, but I need to discuss it! It is a book about Hitler Germany through the eyes of a 9 year old boy. The point of view hit close to home for me because my boy Max is nearly 9. For such a short book it had a lot of content and hidden meaning, my favorite was Bruno's interpretation of the Führer being called 'The Fury'. The book made me question, a lot! How could a country so full of the spirit in the 1500's that William Tyndale would seek shelter there to translate the Bible, become a place so ungodly and full of fear and contempt? It made me think of all the judgments we all make and how easy it is for pride to seep in our hearts, it often happens with out us even knowing it. We pass it on to our children because it seeps into their tender naive sponge-like hearts. I really enjoyed the book, it was even comical at times, but in the end it broke my heart, I literally felt a physical pain. My heart broke for the father, he had to lose life to really understand its value. One of the things I got out of this book, and not to down play the loss of life for the Jews, but The Holocaust was a HUGE loss of humanity for Germany. Really worth reading, don't skip it and see the movie. The author does a phenomenal job describing the situations and surroundings without being cumbersome, I bet it was a cinch to direct the movie. I have not seen the movie so I don't mean to say it way bad I just think it probably wouldn't be able to keep the Innocent perspective.

Bye-Bye Binky

2009-03-04T13:04:00.004-07:00

I am so happy about this I just have to share the good news! Sophia has given up her binky! Saturday night Sophia went to be with her soffy(her blanket), her bunny, her pony, her baby, and about 5 books and didn't ask for her binky...so we just said good-night. We thought for sure in a few minutes she would cry for it, she didn't and slept all through the night. She hasn't asked for it once since. She does insist that Milo have his binky at all times which he usually spits out, maybe she's projecting. I hope I didn't just jinx the situation. Now I just hope I can get Milo to stop sucking his thumb before that becomes a habit hard to break!

Books read in January

2009-02-11T13:11:00.003-07:00

This last month I read three books, all of them juvenile literature. Maybe I am just a kid at heart.

A Separate Peace by John Knowels

The first one was our book club selection, I missed most of the discussion because Sophia took a tumble down the stairs. It seemed as though everyone liked this WWII era story about a boy in a prep school where his comrades more than the 'prep' school itself prepared him for the world. I found this book interesting being written pre-60's unrest time. People felt that unrest and insecurity about war they just didn't go against things back then. I heard my Great Aunt talk about being on the other side of WWII in Germany, she was strictly obedient, you just didn't go against your elders. I think WWII was a turning point in our society, but that is a whole different direction and my thoughts are a little rusty on this book because I read it a while ago now. I recommend this book, great read.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

The first of a teen science fiction trilogy set about 200 years in the future. Basically the people believe everyone must be the same or total anarchy will occur, so at 16 you get a surgery to be pretty, the same standard of pretty. Some of the people don't agree and the main character of course gets dragged into this way of thinking on accident and it is the story of how she comes to see herself for who she really is. This novel I am sure is to help teenagers to love themselves despite the pressures of society. I was entertained and found the concepts interesting.

Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery

This was by far my favorite of the three I read and maybe my new favorite book. My cousin has been trying to get me to read it for years, I haven't because I have seen and loved the movie so much and I thought I would get board in the book. Not so! The book of course is way better, but I still like the movies. I see all of the characters in a new light and identify with the matriarchs better now that I read their hearts instead of what the actors were able to portray. As always I love Anne with an 'e' the little orphan girl adopted by the bachelor and old maid Cuthbert siblings, the way she grows up and the lessons she learns are heartfelt and genuine. I am excited for Sophia to be old enough to enjoy Anne as well. It will be fun to read the whole series. 5 stars for this one!

RS Book Club Review

2009-01-21T09:36:00.004-07:00

Last night I finished reading...
The Prize Winner of Definance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids On 25 Words Or Less

So in the spirit of limericks in 25 words or less here is my ode to Evelyn Ryan:

The book about Evelyn Ryan
A clever woman always tryin'
Has inspired my urge to be good
and do the things I know I should.

Revenge of the Sith and the Screaming Banshee

2009-01-06T20:36:00.003-07:00

Zac and Sophia have a funny relationship. Zac love's to tease, Sophia doesn't love to be teased, but loves attention particularly from Zac. The other night Zac donned his black pants, his black shirt, and a black blanket cape like over his head, ei 'the sith' and mysteriously lurked around corners. Of Course this quiet activity caused Sophia to scream like a banshee because she hates disguises (Halloween was traumatic). I was nursing Milo and unaware of what Zac was doing so I kept telling Sophia to stop screaming, this went on for about 15 minutes until finally Nate noticed and told Zac to take off the blanket. Zac didn't comply and suddenly it didn't scare Sophia anymore and she laughed and screamed while Zac still in costume chased her around the house. A new noisy game created-Revenge of the Sith and the Screaming Banshee.

After 4 what's 1 more?

2009-01-06T20:17:00.003-07:00

So I've heard people say- after 4 what's 1 more? Well I don't know if I'll have 1 more, 4 is hard enough! Maybe I am just in a postpartum depression, but playing Milo's milkmaid, Sophia's tantrum sounding board, 2 school age children in check, a house in order, and a husband happy is starting to get me frazzled!

It just would be cool if I could sleep, so if you see me or talk to me and I am rude or say things that don't make sense, now you know why and I am sorry in advance
Kudos to all y'all who have survived babies with older kids in tow.

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-05T11:56:00.002-07:00

I wanted to post resolutions on New Year's day, but something about a tantrum throwing 2 year old and a hungry hungry infant needing my attention stopped me.

January 5th Resolutions

1. Learn Spanish already Emily!
2. Cut down on the yelling
3. Have family home evening(this could be broken tonight, but I have to make this goal every year)
4. Eat healthy and exercise regularly not to lose weight (I do need to ), but mainly because heart disease runs in my family and I eat a lot of cholesterol filled food.
5. Go back to school (this one is kind of far fetched, but oh well)

Understanding...kinda

2008-12-17T12:18:00.003-07:00

Sophia is starting to understand things about the baby. She has discovered that baby Milo is staying and that I don't have to hold him all the time. I put him on a blanket on the floor and she got really excited about him. "Baby, baby!" she said, then I said, "Do you like the baby?" "Like baby!" she exclaimed. Now I just have to teach her that I do sometimes have to hold him, I think this will take a while. Wish me luck.

Good Things Come To Those Wait

2008-12-11T16:45:00.011-07:00

Even if I didn't wait patiently!

Milo Nathaniel Cummings
Saturday, December 6,2008
7:53 pm
7 lbs. 14 oz.
21 in.

Max and Zac are excited!

But Sophia is not so much!

All Bundled up to go home

I think he looks most like Zac in this picture, but sometimes he looks like Max or Sophia. Whataya think?

OVERDUE

2008-12-05T10:11:00.003-07:00

Milo is still not here yet! He doesn't seem to think being on time is important, a habit I hope he breaks by the time he starts school! Maybe I was a bad example with all the times I was late to church this year. I have been going a little nuts! I know he is only 2 days late, but it's still as frustrating as can be! I will hopefully be induced on Saturday (if my cervix is favorable). I am trying to visualize me progressing(you know all the voodoo natural stuff) and also planning for disappointment, what a contradiction! I didn't break into tears right away at my doctor appt like I did with Sophia, that happened at 3am Thursday while I yelled at Nate about everything I am mad about. I probably looked like a pregnant Medusa, I am surprised he didn't run away screaming, he even brought me to his fancy work party where he gave a really good speech. I would say maybe the due date was incorrect, but 2 ultrasounds said Dec. 3. Oh well so that is my update.

Christmas Shopping

2008-11-26T14:58:00.004-07:00

I really don't want to complain, but I am in my last week of pregnancy so I get to right? AHHHH Toys'r'us has the worst service ever!!! They must be really hard up for help these days. I was glared at by the 'customer service' girl when I went to ask for help, as if I was her mother and I just asked her if her homework was done. Her supervisor said, "Oh you can look that up for her." The girl flipped her multi colored hair and with even more angst than her glare at me said, "I don't know how!" To her superior!! I wanted to smack her and say you little brat look up my thing and then find it on the shelf for me! I wanted to tell her to give her supervisor more respect, but then the sup looked it up (not even showing the girl how by the way) and told me, "Oh we have 2 it should be over there." Then she just walked away! No wonder the girl felt like she could yell at her and glare at customers. The sup didn't have any more customer service skills than the girl. Finally someone decent came around and helped me. I really fear for that girls future, I hope she doesn't get pregnant any time soon!

Never been cut

2008-11-16T20:14:00.005-07:00

I don't know how interesting this is to anyone, but I am amazed at how long Sophia's hair is. Being someone with straight hair that can't even hold a perm, I am in love with her curls! It is hard to tell in the picture though her hair goes to the middle of her back when pulled straight and is shoulder length when curly. I have never cut it, should I try to even it out? It kind of goes in a V, if it were straight I think I would have to.

Ingenuity

2008-11-10T12:02:00.002-07:00

I am so proud of the ingenuity my kids have! I know I am bragging, but I just have to celebrate the good things in life! Last night we went to Nate's sister's house for what we planned on being a very short visit. They are doing major construction and we thought the kids would just get into stuff and be obnoxious! Well they got into stuff, but it wasn't obnoxious. They entertained themselves very well playing some Indian Jones story line pretend game on the air compressor with the safety ear muffs. The best part is that Sophia started it all by playing on the compressor and the boys jumped in and made a great game of it.

Delete, go private, remain the same?

2008-11-07T18:49:00.014-07:00

So my friend removed her blog because of this report ksl.com . I did not see the first report on blogs, but I think maybe it is sensationalism for the media. You know just something to report. I can understand the woman's fear and frustration. Because it turned out to be a family friend or member or something I think it is not so bad, it wasn't a stranger or sicko. I have only ever had 2 people I didn't know comment on my blog and that was when I used labels and when I was linked to another website on purpose. I really don't think anyone is going to look at my blog other than friends, family, or fellow knitters. I do look at other knitters blogs that don't know me, people from around the world as far as Scotland and Germany, but I usually don't read the posts about their kids, husbands (or dogs for that matter) just the knitting ones. I don't judge my friend for turning off her blog it is what she needed to do, I am just wondering am I rationalizing and naive to keep my blog?

Halloween, fuzzy suckers, & snow

2008-11-05T22:24:00.004-07:00

This year I volunteered in Zac's class, he said I wasn't allowed to dress up just wear a funny halloween shirt. He's a very particular kid. By the way Sophia is a pink poodle(not a lamb, there was some confusion)

These suckers were found after Sophia had spent some time down in Max and Zac's room. When Nate asked Max about it he said, "Oh Sophia did that she likes to sample stuff." We continue to find discarded suckers.

Big kids are great! Even though the age gap in our family is complicated(with all the sports and school stuff) sometimes it really comes in handy to have your 8 yr old be able to take your 2 yr old out in the snow when you are just too pregnant for your snow coat. Thanks Max! Zac is great too he did help her up a few times when she fell down.

I'm an Esme

2008-10-29T23:24:00.000-06:00

This is kinda silly, but fun.

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Musing about Motherhood

2008-10-15T11:00:00.003-06:00

I love my children. I have been reading Glenn Latham's books and learning that I suck at mothering. Max is such a wonderful kid that he has put up with my stupid mistakes for 8 years now. It is so embarrassing that he is as old as he is and I am just barely figuring a few things out. I am way too emotional(don't tell Nate he might use it against me) & anxious, but I have learned today is not forever. The boys will learn to be quiet in sacrament, they will learn that playing with lego's when your supposed to be getting ready for school will make you late. I am learning that no one is listening to my noisy kids in sacrament just their own and that if I have to drive the boys to school it is not the end of the world just inconvenient! I am learning that Sophia is at a very messy age(As if she is followed by a tornado), but that she also likes to clean up and responds well to 'Yeah!' The boys laugh when I cheer for them, but I think that deep down and as long as I don't do it in front of their friends that they really like it. I don't have to have an anxiety attack about every little thing! I just need to stop and watch and I will see that growing is happening and I am in charge of making sure that growing is positve.

Name change in order?

2008-10-08T14:52:00.010-06:00

I feel as though I should have named this blog Emily's ramblings about anything because that is what I do. I rarely blog about knitting which is sad because I do a lot of it. So now I will and I hope I don't bore my non-knitting friends. When I got back from the cruise earlier this year I had a major creative block (little did I know I was pregnant and I think my body was busy making baby number 4 more than just some cells). I couldn't even get myself to knit other peoples patterns let alone continue designing as I had been. I was so depressed so I took a break, but now I'm back and here are some cute little ballet slipper style shoes on my very unwilling model Sophia (I wanted her to point her toes).

And here is Sophia again in the funniest pants ever, but Nate's loves them and that makes all the difference. Notice the cable on the side.

I don't know if anyone is interested, but both of these patterns can be found on the most awesome knitting site www.knitty.com
Right now I am working on a fair isle back pack for Sophia because she always steals her bro's and loses their school stuff, not good! I have also gotten into quilting so check back for photos of Sophia's new bedroom when I finish it. Maybe I should name this blog Crafty Emily, no that sounds bad maybe Emily tries to craft...I don't know it will probably stay what it is.

Dancing with the Stars

2008-10-08T09:14:00.003-06:00

Boo Hoo no more cute Maks! Can't they give him a new partner? I mean we have had to put up with watching Cloris Leachman's disgusting wrinkly cleavage at least give us our eye candy back!

You have to admit that is eye candy, and the man can move he can even make flamboyancy look masculine! Does anyone else watch this show? I love it! With the remaining stars so far I think it will come down to the Mom/model, the fat guy, and the kid. The others are good, but I think these three are consistently good and the most high profile. I just hope people will vote off Cloris because even though Rocco can't really dance well he's better than Cloris and so adorable.

Okay I'll stop rambling!

Windows yeah!

2008-09-30T18:57:00.002-06:00

Yeah Yeah Yeah!!!!! We have windows in the basement!!! Can ya tell I am happy about this? Sister Hinkley once gave this advice in an interview..."Lower your expectations." At first when we started this whole window fiasco I had really high hopes and was so excited and I kept getting let down. I was so disappointed, then I remembered this advice and lowered my expectations. Well after that the windows guys actually called me on the day they said they would to tell me that they would be here sooner than I thought and then they actually came on that day and installed the windows in half the time I thought...exceeding my expectations! What a wise woman, Sister Hinkley! Since everything in the end went my way it is so hard to keep my expectation low I just have to not expect Nate to finish the sheet rock and stuff inside the house and then he will... right?

The Conquering Hero

2008-09-22T14:32:00.002-06:00

Captain Underpants is my hero! He is gross and silly and really completely ridiculous; nonetheless he has saved the day at my house. As some of you may know, my Max doesn't choose to read on his own in fact I have to beg him to read. Since we ordered the Captain Underpants collection he reads every chance he gets. I have to give some credit to my cute Zac as well because he listens to Max read and Max really needs the out loud reading time. I know Max is improving because Zac doesn't like to listen if it's too slow, so Thank You Zac. It makes me so happy to have learning not be such a chore! Learning can be so fun, I am thankful to people such as Dav Pilkey who write books young boys enjoy reading. Now that Max has an opportunity to see that reading on his own is enjoyable he reads others things with more confidence. This all happened really in just a few days. I am not saying homework time is easy and suddenly he concentrates, but it is easier than it used to be. I think it is good to celebrate life's small successes!

Football & School Starting

2008-09-14T15:19:00.006-06:00

This post is overdue, I should have done it as two seperate ones, but whatever. Max plays football now my little boy is playing a sport where the mentality is CRUSH UM'! It's strange what he is supposed to do on the field is not socially acceptable to do anywhere else especially to your little brother who is not expecting a tackle. Yet this sport is probably the most popular American sport and we can't help, but take pride in him playing it. We aren't even sport watching or following at all kind of people. A word of warning for those yet to have an 8 year old boy, it takes over your life. Luckily it will be over before Halloween. He has been playing since August and has only won one game, although yesterday they almost won. It was a really close game the whole time then right before the last play the East coach was out on the field with his players, shaking them and head-butting them. He was pretty serious about what he told them because they ended up preventing our boys from making the winning point. It was pretty crazy to see that guy shaking those little boys. I've never seen our coaches do that and I hope I never do.

Zac starting school has been great, he really likes it. Sophia misses him when he is gone. He is so cute he comes home and tells me he has a new best friend but he doesn't know his name. Here is a cute pic of boys in the ward in his class.

These boys were nice to pose for me.

As keeping with tradition that actually skipped my generation, (I care more about my German heritage than my mom does hers) I made Zac a Zuckertüte or Schultüte. My mom said it was Zuckertüte which means sugar sack, she is from East Germany and had one when she went to kindergarten (German for children garden). I have the cutest pic of her with hers back in 1950 or something I will have to find it and post it soon.

No more jammin'

2008-09-14T15:17:00.001-06:00

I just had to remove my music from my blog, everytime I bring up my blog and make changes I hear just the beginning of songs and it was making me crazy! More crazy than I already am anyway.

Just a short word about Home Improvement

2008-09-04T14:50:00.002-06:00

If you are lucky enough (like me) to live in a 55 year old house then you probably are also lucky enough to have tiny basement windows. Well...cut them out before you finish the basement or plan on having your walls and carpet ruined. Also plan on the contractors taking a really long time and to take early lunches long breaks with lots of cussing and leaving for the day at 4:00 even if the job is not done and they told you it would be. Also it is really noisy, more than you can imagine. I just had to get that out! Our contractors really were nice guys and I guess it is just how the nature of their work is. At least now when we put the boys in the basement we know they will be able to crawl out if there is a fire (hope there is not!) I just hope they don't want to crawl out of the windows for fun.

old age or new age and a movie review

2008-08-19T16:09:00.003-06:00

Is 30 old age or is it simply a new age? I really don't feel any different but as of yesterday I have entered into a new age. Nate kindly pointed out yesterday, "So you are no longer in your twenties." No I am not, but I will always be younger than him so there! It was a nice birthday, I can now DVR my favorite shows and I got to gorge myself at Ruby River last night. We also rented a funny movie that surprised us, but we liked it. We have this bad habit... if the movie doesn't look violent or sexy we don't look at or worry about the rating. Well this movie we watched was rated 'R'. It was about teenagers so I really should have know better (they do say the F word a lot, teenagers that is). The movie was called Charlie Bartlett the stars are newcomers, but their respective parents on the movie are seasoned actors Robert Downey Jr and Hope Davis. Everyone does a great job in the movie. The movie deals with teen issues and parents of teen issues in a funny way with the main characters mostly being very neurotic people. While we were watching I couldn't help feeling like the movie reminded me of a cross between Farris Bueller's Day Off and Harold and Maude.A very strange combination I know, although this movie is more clever than both. Anyway if you liked Juno you will probably like this movie it has a similar comedic style, but beware the F word frequents and there is a scene where a couple girls run past topless. That's all folks!

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-11T23:37:00.003-06:00

So I was thinking I would not get to read this book until I could find someone who stayed up all night at the big weekend party to buy one & lent me theirs. Well I found it at Smith's Marketplace the next Monday for $13.97 yes I am proud. Although the party would have been a blast! Anyway I read the book quite quickly actually skimming through some parts I found particularly boring. I was sad that I found any of it boring, but I did! Maybe it is because I am pregnant and very impatient right now (yes more so than usual). I do love the way the book turned out. I found the book a little predictable, as soon as the chapters changed from one human character to another not so human character I made a few predictions in my mind that happened to turn out just as I had predicted, but then the rest surprised me. I really did enjoy reading it. If it were possible to put a rating like with movies on any of the books in the series I would say pg15. Not just 15, but pg 15 I think the topics in the book need to be discussed with a mom, or aunt, or understanding grandma. Maybe I am a prude, but oh well.

Belle's Bistro

2008-08-10T14:27:00.002-06:00

Off to the side I have a link to a web site I will be contributing to. Check it out, we post child friendly recipes and there are lots of links to other great cooking sites.

Just a question

2008-08-08T13:18:00.002-06:00

Why don't maternity pants have front pockets? I need to carry snot rags and chapstick! Come on clothing designers get with it! Maternity clothes are much cuter than they were 10 years ago but I am pregnant so I get to complain, right? That's all just needed to vent that!

The Dark Knight review

2008-07-23T17:16:00.002-06:00

I didn't see any children in the theatre this time as I did in the first one, but just a warning it is NOT a kid show. I may be a little sensitive being pregnant and all but I am only giving the newest Batman intsallment 2 stars. It truly was a dark movie so dark I expected to come out of the theatre and see a darker night than it was. The acting was great and the good guys of coarse are great, but the acting of the bad guys was too great! The joker was so convincing that it gave me the creeps. The worst part is and this is where maybe I am too sensitive, but everyone kept laughing at the joker. I did not find him funny. If I were rating the movie on the cleverness of writing and the acting skills I would have to give a better rating. I can't because when I go to movies I want to be entertained and forget it or inspired and remember it, not disturbed. This is just my opinion I hope I don't ruffle any feathers. I guess I'll have to be more carefull with pg-13 movies these days.

Ultrasound

2008-07-23T16:59:00.006-06:00

Well I got my ultrasound last Wednesday. IT'S A BOY! We're excited, although we are having a hard time agreeing on a name. I guess we have quite a bit of time for the name thing, but I like a name to say when I feel him kick! I wanted to post some pictures but he didn't really let us get any good ones of his face. He waded himself up in a cuddly ball(maybe a hint of his personality) so we got a great shot of his boy parts. His hands were cute in there, very dexterous he gave us a hang ten. So maybe he'll be a cuddly surfer dude. Just kidding about the surfer part. If Nate tells you we are naming him George, he's lying! I want Evan or Milo or Miles. I am nesting like crazy now and it is making me crazy waiting for our windows to get cut out so I can move the boys downstairs and get on with the preparations.

2008-07-03T17:23:00.002-06:00

Wow, It's been a really long time since my last post! I am sitting here with just Sophia. My boys and Nate went to Lake Powell for the week...boo hoo and whew for me. I am so torn, on the one hand I wish I had gone on the other I am so happy and COOL and COMFORTABLE here in my air conditioned house with my bed. I miss my guys though. I miss the help my boys give me with Sophia, but yet nap time is truly peaceful with no interuptions! I actually miss Max's babbling about pokemon, and Zac's constant art messes. I miss Nate's conversation and well that's not all. Anyway, night is especially hard when your used to staying up late with a companion so I've delved into a book...The Host. It took me a little while to get into, but then I liked it. It made me wonder what would happen or how I would react if an alien took over my body, I like to say I would resist because I resist a lot of things. I also wonder about the love srory part, but I don't want to give anything away. It's a good book worth a read!

13 weeks

2008-05-29T21:07:00.003-06:00

Yeah! I have made it to the point where I can finally feel a little bit more like myself. I don't feel like throwing up when I think about food just certain kinds of foods, but hey I will take it! I don't fall asleep at 2pm anymore, yes I still need to sit and take a break about then. Let's face it GH is on then so it's as good a time as any to take a break. I still cry about anything remotely sad or happy, but at least I can face the reality of what life is and wipe away my tears and move on with the day. I don't get back in bed after Max goes to school, not to say I am out the door as well, but I don't get back in bed and that is a good thing. I actually finished the laundry this week before I had to start it again, which is an accomplishment considering that I didn't get to start it on Monday as I usually do! I just love having a little energy back I even gardened on Tuesday and Wednesday, it gave me a back ache, but it was nice to be outside getting stuff done. I think I have prematurely gained my pregnant pouch because I got fat eating and sleeping the past while when I wasn't my active self so feel free to comment on my growing belly I won't be offended, I've never cared about my weight much. So I am happy... hopefully my next appt will be good and if my lucky stars are in order I will maybe get another ultrasound and find out the sex, but probably won't until 20 weeks oh well. What excuse can I give my doctor to let me get another one earlier?

Book Review The Little Prince

2008-05-29T20:53:00.002-06:00

The Little Prince by Antoine de-Saint Exupery. This was a very interesting little book, it is a philosophical book with out the self-righteous fervor I sense in other philosophical books. I thought it was a little simplistic at first; but in thinking more about the meaning and symbolism also discussing it at book club, I appreciate it more. I would recommend it. It only took an evening to read so even if you don't like it you won't have wasted too much time. Stay tuned for more reviews, I am going to try and read The Host, I've heard it's great!

Mom Tag from Juli

2008-05-20T11:28:00.003-06:00

1. Typically, what time do you wake up? 6:30 to kiss Nate good-bye, then 7:30 to wake up Max.
2. On a good night what time are you kids in bed? 8pm when it's dark 9pm now that it is light. Lately 10pm
3. How long have you been a mommy? 8 years
4. How old were you when you became a mom? almost 22
5. What is your favorite kid's t.v. show? Arthur
6. What is your least favorite kid's t.v. show? Hannah Montana, she yells a lot!
7. What is your favorite chore? I actually like to do it all except toilets, as long no one is around to mess it up for atleast an hour.
8. What is your fave meal to cook? Chicken Noodle Soup with breadsticks on a cold fall evening.
9. What is your kid's fave meal? pancakes or waffles
10. What meal do you cook most often? pancakes or waffles or spagetti
11. What is your fave thing you husband does with your kids? With the boys I love it when he takes them outside and does anything with them cuz they love it. With Sophia I love how he can make her laugh hysterically.
12. What are 5 things that make you smile when your being a mom? When Max corrects an adults grammer ( I didn't thing he listened at school), When Zac tells me he wants me to be Kanga and him to be Roo for Halloween, When Sophia signs please and thank you w/out me asking her to, when Sophia sleeps with her bum in the air, When Max and Zac cup my stomach with there dirty big boy hands to "hug the baby in my tummy".
13. If you could take your kids anywhere where would it be? everywhere I went as a kid and anywhere else they want to experience. Anyone have lots of money they want to give me to do this? ha ha
14. When was the last time you went out w/out your kids? It has been a long time, maybe the girls night when we went to the movie!!
15. What is your fave pastime/activity to do with your kids? nature walks
16. What is the one thing you say that you said you would never say as a mother? because I said so which is futile, cuz Max always says what I always said, 'becuase is not a good answer!'
17.Name one thing you do that your mom did? Make them laugh when I am trying to be stern.
18. What is your fave quality your mom has? Enduring Patience!
19. What is your fave kids book? Harold and the purple crayon
20. What is your fave advice for new moms? Hold that first baby all day if you want to, cuz you will never be able to do it again! And remember he not an extention of you he is a child of God!
21. What is your most heartbreaking experience as a mom? Watching them have pain whether physical or emotional.
22. What is your most joyful moment as a mom? Watching them happily make good choices on their own.
23. When was the last time you told your one of your kids you love them? this morning.
24. When was the last time one of your kids said I love you to you? Last night
Tag to Katie, or Melissa or anyone who wants to share motherhood feeling with me

Mischievous

2008-05-14T17:08:00.007-06:00

This is what happens when you let an 8 year old and a 5 year old get peanut butter out for themselves to eat with cherrios while you pass out from pregnant exhaustion! They leave it out for little Miss Chievous to find.

Isn't she cute though?!!

further updates

2008-05-08T11:00:00.002-06:00

My nephew has been moved to the therapy ward which is really good progress, they don't usually move people in his circumstances this soon. Any further updates on him will be on a separate blog I created for him if anyone is interested prestonmaurer.blogspot.com

Thank You

2008-05-07T10:28:00.001-06:00

Thank you everyone for your comments and love. My nephew Preston is paralyzed from the waist down. He is hopeful that it is not permanent and has started therapy. It will be a long and painful road for him. I pray for him daily, literally every prayer I pray has him in it! He says he has feeling where the doctors told him he would not, and we think this must be a good sign. Hopefully I'll be getting more updates today.

Life

2008-05-02T12:51:00.004-06:00

Life. The air we breathe, the muscles we use, the words we speak, the love we give. Do we realize how precious our lives really are? I know that I don't. I take for granted my health everyday. I take for granted my safety everyday, my kids' safety.
My nephew got shot last night. He is 22 years old. He has his whole life ahead of him. Someone felt like money and possesions were worth more than his life.
I pray that he will be whole and well again. All I can do is wait and hope and pray.

Pregnancy

2008-04-29T08:58:00.002-06:00

Look out for Mr. Stork
That persevering chap
He'll come along and drop
A bundle in your lap
You may be poor or rich
It doesn't matter which
Millionaires--they get theirs
Like the butcher and the baker
So look out for Mr. Stork
And let me tell you, friend
Don't try to get away
He'll find you in the end
He'll spot you out in China or he'll fly to County Cork
So you better look out for Mr. Stork

Look out for Mr. Stork
He's got you on his list
And when he comes around
It's useless to resist
Remember those quintuplets and the woman in the shoe
Maybe he's got his eye on you

I am excited to be pregnant no matter how surprising it is. Sophia will have a close sibling and that is good I think. I won't get to have a free lap this summer like I had planned, but oh well I have the rest of my life for that and I might just miss baby on my lap after. The boys keep freaking me out and saying that we're having twins. Now that would be a surprise! They are really sweet though, Zac is always coming up to me and saying, "Mommy I want to hug the baby in your tummy." Then he cups his hands all small and puts them on my tummy. If the baby is a girl Max wants to name her after my sister Sally. I told him we don't name after the living unless it is a middle name so he said then let's give Sally for her middle name. This morning he tried to tell me if it's a girl to name her May if she's born in May. When I told him the baby was due in December he said let's name it that, December. I hope his name choices improve when he is a husband and soon to be father. I am trying to enjoy this it as it may be my last.

Juno Review

2008-04-23T16:18:00.002-06:00

I have my playlist set up so the song from this movie comes on first. It is a weird song, but really makes sense with the couple in the movie. I liked the movie, it was very interesting! I think it's good to see that even though we want life to go a certain way it doesn't always. That's as much as I can say with out spoiling it for those who haven't seen it. It made me laugh and cry, although I am in an unexpected pregnancy so a lot of things make me cry. All in all I recommend the movie, just be prepared to be shocked. The main character is a teenager and teenagers say and do shocking things. Also the acting was really great. They probably told the kids in the movie to literally act like they normally do. Aside from loving the old fat bearded teacher the best girlfriend character was really funny and genuine. Well that is that.

Playlist

2008-04-16T21:24:00.003-06:00

So I added a playlist to my blog I am not sure about the order of songs. I just added them as they came to my head. Some I have heard lately so I thought of them others I can just never forget! I could think of a million songs to put on here, but I just don't have time to download them all or really to listen to them all so I guess I'll just add as I want to and see how it goes. It comes on automatically and starts with the same song everytime I am already getting sick of new soul because I kept playing with my template so I heard that song started about 10 times tonight. So I guess if you visit my blog often enuf you might want to scroll down to my playlist and change the song. I have some of the August Rush songs on there. I made Nate watch it with me last night. I had seen it, but liked it enuf to watch it again, he said it was okay. It was a little sappy, but I like sappy movies and the music was inspiring! I skipped around on it today to all the main music parts with Max. It inspired him to practice his guitar (that was my secret plan)! I give the movie a thumbs up. My fave part was when towards the end August plays a duet with an important character (I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it) it really is one of the sweetest moments in the movie. Well I need to go return the movie, don't want to pay more than a $1 you know. Don't ya just love that redbox?

The View or The Vent

2008-04-15T19:21:00.004-06:00

Today I watched the view. I usually don't because it's just not on at a good time of day for me and well I am just not very impressed by it. Today I was sick and just had to sit and eat chocolate so I would not vomit. I needed to be entertained you know to also keep me from not thinking about just throwing-up! So back to the view-they say that they discuss hot topics...they don't, they just bring them up. They never let each other really finish a sentence, except Whoopi or Barbara. Somehow Whoopi and Barbara don't have to yell to be heard. Elisabeth never gets to finish her sentences ever unless she is talking about something that is not up for discussion ie, if she is introducing something/one. Even if someone asks Elisabeth a question she usually doesn't get to finish her answer. Joy wants to be heard and yells until the others stop talking. Sherri seems the most even keel, today anyway. Barbara wasn't on today, she seems to beable to keep things calmer. I don't know about this show. Does anyone else watch it? I call it the vent because it seems like that's all that noisy Joy ever does, but I guess I am venting. Well I probably won't watch it anymore. I should've watched the BYU devotional it's on at the same time.

2008-04-10T22:12:00.004-06:00

Hi I am a bad blogger! So tonight I make amends! The cruise was fabulous! Disney really takes care of you! You eat like Kings and Queens...and Princes and Princesses! They really accommodate everyone, it still would have been fun for someone with out their kids or teenagers. The first day mostly late afternoon/evening we were at sea heading towards the islands, so it was a little cool and windy, but way better than cold and snowy! The second day we made land in Nassau. Beautiful beach interesting city. The people there drive like maniacs and honk and yell at each other all the time. Our driver told us that if he ran a red light, he would get a $800 fine and 3 months in jail, also that gas was over $5 a gallon and milk even more at $8 a gallon, but beer very cheep. He said that he preferred milk. We did some shopping not as much as I would have liked, but it was fun. We mostly spent the day at the beach. The water is really clear and the sand super soft. The waves were Max's favorite and the sand I think was Zac's. Sophia spent a lot of time asleep on Nate (I think that was when she came down with the flu) Max and Zac also found a lot of coral and shells. It was nice to go back to the ship and wash off the saltwater, and have a nice meal at the restaurant with our nice servers. Fred from Jamaica was our head server and Micholav from Serbia was his assistant. They were very nice and Micholav especially good with the children. Zac is very shy and he was able to (after many nonthreatening tries) get Zac to warm up to him. The third day we went to Castaway Cay, Disney's own island. Wow, Disney sure knows how to make things magical, I guess that is what they are known for eh? Well there was not a fallen petal or piece of garbage anywhere. They had "camps" for the kids with water fights and lunch, so the boys went there and Nate, Sophia, and I took an nice stroll around the island. Then we picked the boys up and went to snorkel with the stingrays. We stood by this platform that the stingrays would swim up to (they were swimming all around us through our legs and such)we would put our hand on this plate shaped like Mickey's head and have a piece of calamari between our fingers and the stingray would come up and suck it up, it felt like a vacuum attachment. Zac freaked when they swam by his legs and started jumping up and down so we paid $35 for him to stand on the beach. Oh well we tried, and it was fine. After you put on snorkel gear on and could swim with the stingrays, I held Sophia and stayed with Zac while Nate and Max did that, they said it was very cool. The rest of the time we played on the beach and just enjoyed the warm Caribbean breezes. That night on the ship was a pirates 'in' the Caribbean party, that was fun with fireworks and all. I was a very fun time! If I can make one recommendation to anyone going on one, bring another family and plan ahead to see all the different activities because we didn't and once we got there we were a little overwhelmed and didn't do as much. It was still very fun and we've never had a vacation like it before so I can't really complain! Well enjoy the pics

Adios Amigos

2008-02-21T21:49:00.002-07:00

Hello all we are going on a Disney World cruise. Yeah! We are leaving on Saturday and we won't be back until Thursday. I don't think they will let me knit on the plane and I just don't know if I will knit on the cruise, even if I want to I think I will just be too busy. I think I might end up having withdrawls! So as soon as I get home I will get crazy busy knitting some cute little white cardigans, that I will add to the slide show. I decided not to knit Sophia a swimsuit just yet, I just ran out of time to do it in time for the cruise. Oh well that's the way it goes. Well I hope that it doesn't snow too much on you guys here in the winter world while we're gone. Just enuf to clean the air, right? auf wiedersehen!

New addition on slide show

2008-02-14T09:45:00.003-07:00

Hello all! I have just added a hat to my slideshow. I tried to have Sophia model it, but she doesn't like to stay still. Oh well You can see the details of it in the picture of it on my couch and how it looks good on a child in the picture of Sophia. This hat was made for a boy, but I don't have a 9-18 month old boy at my house, Sophia looks good in blue anyway. Also this hat could easily be adjusted for an adult, maybe remove the pom-pom. Hope you like it.

Slide Show

2008-02-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone I hope you are enjoying my slide show. I wasn't able to put the picture of the hat that first started the idea of selling my knits because the picture stunk! Hopefully soon I will finish my current project (a cute folk style hat) then I can start on Sophia's swim suit and I will post that as well.

My Brand Name

2008-02-11T14:15:00.001-07:00

Okay I have been thinking about my label for my knitting and I think that EKO is good, but will not be my only label. I just can't be tied to organics as much as I want to knit in only organics for right now I have to be broader. So I was thinking also I might not just sell knits. I think I will start with something like... Millcreek Boutique or Emasue's Boutique, or I don't know. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

Emily Knits Organic

2008-02-06T10:26:00.001-07:00

Recently I have been designing my own knitting patterns, very exciting for me. It all started when my husband told his co-worker who had shaved her head for Locks of Love, that I would knit her a beenie. So I thought oh hats especially beenies are easy, I will just make it up. I wanted to practice my cabling so I did a cable rib, which turned out kinda cute ( I will post a picture). My husband was impressed by my speed and told me I should sell them and he will make me a website. Well I am a sucker for a compliment and I was inspired. So far I have designed a purse, a raglan sweater for my 1 year old Sophia, a pair of glove /mittens, & the hat of course. I will be attempting a swim suit for Sophia as well. I know all my patterns probably are in need of some tweaking, as I am just learning all of this. As I knit I think of the possibilities and what I could do with all of it. I want to knit my designs in organic yarn, I just want to do my part in keeping the earth clean and healthy to live in. So I was thinking for a label, Emily Knits Organic ie. EKO, like eco friendly only with a 'k'. I don't know it's just a thought and I probably won't be selling anything until fall so I can build up a line of something worth selling. Anyway tell me what you think!

A Train To Potevka, Review

2008-02-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a book that my Dad recommended, called A Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdell. Altough it is a novel, in the fact that he had to change or not be specific in dates, names, and some certain details; it really is a true history of his experiences not only in the USSR during the early nineties, but also his experiences leading up to the life changing days spent in Potevka . A Train to Potevka, An American Spy in Russia is more than meets the eye. Mike Ramsdell's book is more than your typical spy novel of espionage, near misses and getaways. It is a story of realizing the importance of faith in our lives. Realizing that faith, in not just the hard times, but in our everyday life. No matter who rules the land where we live, what is inside us, faith, hope, and love, can not be truely be taken away! As Anne Frank said, "In spite of everything I still believe people are really good at heart."

2008-01-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Okay I just posted this huge thing on bamboo, I still think it is important to see if your bamboo fiber product is tested, but I just went to the website of the lady, who seemed to be telling the person with the bamboo sheets that cotton is safer, has a list on her site for organic retailers and there were quite a few for bamboo. So maybe she changed her mind about bamboo or something. I don't know I am still waiting to hear from bernat; although just just because product says organic cotton, linen, or whatever that doesn't mean that it had an organic conversion process that just means it was organically grown. So until next post.

Is Bamboo really green?

2008-01-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

Recently I purchased the most incredibly soft yarn. It's made mostly of bamboo 89% and 11% arcrylic. SOOOOOOO soft, comparable to cashmire. Softer than cotton althought I do still like cotton. So I was curious what the process of converting bamboo into fiber would be becuase the label says it is made in the USA and packaged in Canada. (Interesting tidbit, it is a Canadian company) Anyway I wondered is it made into to a fiber with chemicals somewhere else and just spun here? Is it laden with chemicals? So I have been looking it up and couldn't find much, most websites just talk about the breaking it down into a pulp that "chemicaly"(what chemicals) changes to a spinable fiber. Then I found a blog where people ask questions of this sort. Someone had asked a similar question to mine only she had purchased sheets made from bamboo fiber (also were super soft). People commented things like we can't trust China, they don't have regs and so on then a person from Bamboosa, a company that sells clothing made from bamboo fiber said this "The bamboo fiber that we use (and, as far as I know, what almost everyone uses) is Oeko-Tex 100 certified. For an in depth analysis of what that certification is, go here: See www.oeko-tex.com/OekoTex100_PUBLIC/index.asp?cls=02. Basically, it says that the fiber has been tested for any chemicals that may be harmful to a persons health and has been found to contain no trace chemicals that pose any health threat whatsoever. So, based on that, we can say that we, and others in our industry, start with a raw material that is not contaminated. In the case of Bamboosa's manufacturing model, all other processes are done in S.C., so we are fully aware and in control of what, if any additional chemicals are use on the product downstream. "

So I looked at the link and if we can trust this company than we are probably okay with bamboo products certified by this company. So I have emailed Bernat the company that sells the yarn. Hopefully I will hear from them soon. If anyone has any insight to this please post.

week 1 day 2 of t.v. ban

2007-09-24T14:42:00.000-06:00

So yesterday was the first official no tv day. It went pretty well. My 7 year old Max turned on the tv once, while being reminded of the ban responded with the classic, "Awwww!" Luckily yesterday we had plenty to do. School days are actually easier to deal with no tv because the boys aren't home to watch it anyway, but today with the rain it may be a little difficult. Oh well, I have to stick with it so they will not be so lazy. I just don't know how I am going to handle 4 more weeks of soccer with a child who does not want to try. I just wish he would try! I have a new motto or chant for myself for mothering it is "CQ" which for Calm and Quiet. Whenever I feel frustrated and feel like screaming I just chant to myself calm and quiet, calm and quiet. It is how the Savior was and is, and that is what I am supposed to be emulating. Most people don't respond well to screaming so why would my kids, besides they are so used to it, there is no difference. So after they get used to me being "CQ" when I do yell (hopefully infequently) they will be suprised and know I mean business then actually listen. I really hope I can stick with this!

Unmotivated Kids!

2007-09-22T14:47:00.000-06:00

Well It has been over a year since my last post. A lot has been happening! That pregnancy, well I was right it resulted in a girl! Sophia Vera is her name and she is a wonderful sweet angel! She is 9 months old today! She is absolutely perfect! My boys on the other hand...just kidding they are wonderful also. Babys are just well easier. I have a 71/2 year old and and an almost 5 year old. My oldest said mom I want to take guitar lessons! For a year he begged for guitar lessons, so I finally said okay you understand that you will have to practice everyday? He said yes I want to play the guitar! So I have a brother who plays very well and he is teaching him, so far so good. A year later I am constantly fighting with my son to get him to practice! He groans and cries and I just didn't realize just how hard it would really be. He is so unmotivated to do anything except watch TV. He doesn't like to do anything he'll have to exert energy for. Also my younger son is the the same way. He wanted to sign up for soccer with his friend, but we missed the signup deadline and paid a late fee, 90 bucks later he just walks around the field pouting! I understand that 4 year olds don't understand money and follow through, but what could we be doing wrong here? The other kids on the team run and play and atleast try, no he won't even try at all! AHHHHH Also all they do is whine about everything, what meals we eat which places we go...I feel like Eore from Pooh Bear and there is a black cloud over our home. I don't want to complain I just don't know what to do! I try to be positive with them and tell them that once they try and learn how to do things it will be fun, to no avail! Gosh when I was a kid I spent almost every waking moment outside running and jumping and biking and just having fun with whatever kids there were to play with. I just don't know what to do with them. We are trying banning the TV. For the whole house! We'll see how that goes and I will post our progress.I feel like I am screaming all the time, no one listens when I speak normal, quiet, or loud. But I still scream, I know I am part of the problem! Probably a bad example! Any suggestions would be welcome!